Pregnancy Nutrition and Weight

The question of how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy is not as straightforward as some people think. The answer depends on whether you were underweight or overweight before the pregnancy and whether or not you are carrying multiples.

To know if you are overweight before the pregnancy, you need to look at your weight relative to your height, which is known as your body mass index (BMI). The normal range for BMI is 18.5-24.9. If you fall in this range before you are pregnant, then you should gain 25-35 pounds. You should gain about 2-5 pounds in the first trimester and then about a pound per week after that.

If you were underweight before the pregnancy (BMI of less than 18.5), then you should gain 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy. If you were overweight (BMI of 25 to 30), then you should gain 15 to 25 pounds, and if you were obese (BMI over 30) then you should not gain more than 15 pounds. If you are carrying more than one fetus, the ranges increase with each additional fetus. Your doctor can tell you what the acceptable range of weight gain is for you if you have multiples. Failure to gain in these recommended ranges can have serious health consequences for you and your baby.

This is why it's important to maintain a healthy diet. Do not go on a diet while you are pregnant, or try to lose weight. Instead, watch what you eat carefully. No matter how strong your cravings for junk food may be, try to avoid them. Remember that every time you eat, you are feeding your baby too, so eat sensibly. Also remember that moderate exercise throughout the pregnancy is recommended assuming it is not a high risk pregnancy. By staying active, you will prevent yourself from gaining excess weight, and improve the odds of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.